Exxon conducts environmental study in Mandar block

Energy giant ExxonMobil Corp. is conducting a study on an environmental impact analysis (Amdal) prior to exploration activities in Mandar block located in a border land between Majene and Polewali in West Sulawesi, Investor Daily reported Friday.

 

ExxonMobil Oil ’s vice president Asep Sulaeman said in Mamuju Thursday that in conducting the environmental impact analysis, the company collaborated with a study team from the University of Tadulako, Palu, Central Sulawesi .

 

The study will focus on the possible effects of the oil and gas exploration activities on local ecology, social lives, economy, and culture.

 

Under the plan, ExxonMobil will conduct a seismic survey on an area of 1,750 km2 in 2008. ExxonMobil plans to drill three wells in the block until 2009.

 

ExxonMobil had signed a production sharing contract of Mandar Block in Makassar Strait offshore West Sulawesi early 2007. The company controls a 100% participating interest in the block covering an area of 4,200 km2. (*)